Bago Enjoys Debut Success in Prix Jean Pratt

Bago, France's leading 2-year-old in 2003, kept his perfect record intact Sunday in his season debut with an impressive victory in the Prix Jean Prat (Fr-I) at Chantilly.

Under Thierry Gillet, Bago, whose coming out party had been delayed by a persistent virus, won the 1 1/8-mile test by three lengths after spurting away from the field in the final furlong. He has won his first five starts.

Cacique came on to get second while never menacing the winner. Ershaad, a Flaxman Holdings Kentucky-bred by Kingmambo, ran on late to edge Charmo for third. The time was a solid 1:46.6 on a good to soft course.

Jonathan Pease trains the Nashwan homebred colt for the Niarchos family, who may next run in the Grand Prix de Paris (Fr-I) or the Saint James's Palace Stakes (Eng-I) at Royal Ascot.

Mister Sacha (5th), Moscow Ballet (6th), Pearl of Love (7th) and Alnitak (8th) completed the order.